TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

Ref: 8555440

USER GUIDE BRAKING DEVICE - TUBIK ABS

2023

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

CAUTION: TRAINING ESSENTIAL.

Before using this product, you must read and understand all the instructions for use.

1. KEY

A - Rope slot
B - Carabiner attachment point
C - Handle
D - Palm rest

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

half rope

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

2. GENERAL INFORMATION/COMPATIBILITY

The Tubik ABS is a manual braking device for sport climbing or mountaineering. It also provides braking assistance for greater comfort and safety. It is a Type 2 device: "devices for belaying and abseiling without a function to adjust the friction" accompanied by a user guide, in accordance with standard 15151-2:2012 and UIAA 129. The Tubik ABS is designed for belaying only: We do not recommend using it for abseiling. This product is not designed to be used to belay directly off an anchor. This product is designed to be used with personal protective equipment to prevent falls from height in accordance with current standards. This device may only be used with single dynamic ropes, conforming to EN 892, with a diameter of between 8.9 and 11.0 mm. They must not be used with metal cables, nor for hanging off a cable, nor on a zip line, nor for rope climbing. The nominal diameter of a rope has a tolerance of up to ± 0.2 mm. Harnesses often have different features. You must attach the belay system as instructed by your harness manufacturer. Ensure that the elements of the belay system are compatible with one another and that none of the elements in the belay chain affects the operation and safety function of any other elements. Caution! This device does not block the rope in all circumstances. It is imperative that you constantly control it with your hand and that you never let go of the "lifeline" (the free end of the rope that runs from the belay device to the ground): you are responsible for holding the climber. You must constantly watch your climber and not get distracted. Practice handling your device in a safe place. It is the user's responsibility to familiarise themselves with the braking effect of the device with the rope and carabiner to be used before each use. Please note that the diameter of your ropes as well as other features (impact force, weight, rated number of falls, etc.) can vary significantly depending on their degree of wear and atmospheric conditions. The braking effect of your device will vary depending on the diameter of rope used and its state of wear. The braking capacity of the device can also be affected when the rope is wet, damp or frozen. Thin ropes require more handling experience than large diameter ropes, as they are more difficult to block when a climber falls. A new rope or one designed to be flexible can be slippery (example: Simond Edge rope). The geometry of the carabiner used with the device has a very serious influence on braking. We recommend the use of HMS type safety carabiners with a circular cross-section in the area in contact with the braking device.

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE
TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

 We recommend using a safety carabiner with a positioning aid system along its major axis (BLC) (the SIMOND Goliath BLC carabiner is recommended).  The weight of the climber should also be taken into consideration in the efficiency of the braking, as well as the difference in weight with the person belaying: a thick rope is best for climbers weighing more than 80 kg.  Be careful not to let your hair, clothing or your brake hand get caught in any braking device during use as this can cause serious injury. We recommend wearing belay gloves (b) and a helmet for safe practice. Never use the carabiner attachment point (B) as an anchor point: risk of serious injury which could result in death.

3. TRAINING

Only people trained and qualified in mountaineering techniques or are under direct visual inspection and trained and qualified in mountaineering techniques are permitted to use this equipment. Do not use this equipment without prior training or if you have any doubts or lack of understanding of the operating instructions. You are also responsible for making sure you're aware of any updates concerning your equipment. We cannot envisage all of the incorrect uses of this harness. Hence, any use other than that described in this user guide is strictly prohibited. Failure to respect any of these warnings may result in serious injury or death. If you are unsure or have not understood this user guide, do not hesitate to contact us via Decathlon Customer Service.

4. USE

4.1. Harness Installation (Figures 1a - 1b - 1c)
Unwind your rope cleanly. Insert a single rope loop into the rope slot of the belay system. At this stage, you must install the rope as indicated by the markings on the product (climber side / hand side):

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE
TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

Pass a locking carabiner through the carabiner attachment point (B) on the device and through the rope loop. Connect the carabiner to the harness so that it is oriented towards its long axis, with the narrower part on the harness side (1b). Ensure that the handle belay device is correctly oriented towards the ground. Lock the carabiner (1c). Check that each element is correctly positioned and functional before each use. Don't forget to systematically carry out a mutual visual check ("partner check") before climbing (Figure 2):
- check the tightness of the harness - check the climber's knot and roping point
- check the locking of the belayer's carabiner, the direction of assembly of the rope and the device according to the marking on the device and test for braking
- check for the presence of a knot at the end of the rope. Make sure your rope is properly laid out and not twisted.

4.2 Lead belaying
- Giving slack: (Figure 3) The hand on the free end holds the rope while pushing the handle forward with the thumb, while the hand on the climber's side pulls the desired length of rope out of the device. The pressure on the handle must be released as soon as the slack is given.
- Taking up slack: (Figure 4) Use the 5-step belay technique (training required) so that you never let go of the dead end of the rope. After taking up the rope, always bring your hand down to the brake position as quickly as possible.
- Holding a fall: (Figure 5)
- Firmly hold down the dead end of the rope.

4.3. Top rope belaying
- Take up the rope during the ascent (Figure 4) Use the 5-step belay technique (training required) so that you never let go of the dead end of the rope. After pulling the rope, immediately return your hand to the brake position under the descender. The brake hand must never remain in a position above the braking device.

4.4. Lowering the climber (Figures 6a and 6b)
- Gradually rotate the device so that the handle is raised until the desired lowering speed is achieved:
- by pushing the handle forward with your thumb (6a)
- or by holding the device in your hand on the palm rest (6b).
At least one hand must keep the rope under the braking device at all times. During a long and fast abseil, there is a risk of overheating the carabiner which can cause burns.
Stay in control of your speed.
- Never let go of the dead end of the rope: risk of falling, which could cause serious injury to the climber and their belayer.
- To make the fall more dynamic, use the body movement of the belayer. Caution: Never hold the device in your hand while using it, except during the descent phase. Make sure you always have a quickdraw to redirect the rope when lead belaying (figure 3).

5. PRODUCT INSPECTION

Check that your equipment is in good condition before, during and after each use: - Check for cracks, deformation, corrosion, wear or any other damage, - Check for sharp edges due to wear, which could damage the rope. If you have any doubts regarding the condition of your equipment, or if your product has a defect, scrap it so that you are sure that it will not be used again. A thorough inspection must be carried out at least once a year, by a qualified person.After a big fall, you product and the other elements in the belay chain should be reconstituted. The safety of the user is linked to maintaining the efficiency and strength of the product.

6. CLEANING, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Your product must be cleaned with clean water and dried with a cloth to remove any traces of humidity. If it comes into contact with seawater or a marine atmosphere, rinse and air-dry your equipment. Store your harness in a dry, cool, dry and well-ventilated place away from any heat or light sources. Prolonged periods in storage in poor conditions may lead to your equipment becoming unusable. Avoid any contact with chemical products (acids, bleach, petrol, diesel, solvents, etc.) which may damage the resistance of your product and its braking effect. Check the condition of your equipment before each use (see paragraph 5). Any repair or modification of the product is strictly prohibited.

7. LIFESPAN

The maximum lifespan of SIMOND products is issued based on the manufacturing date indicated on the product: - 10 years for products subject to ageing (textiles and plastics) - For life for metal parts and products. The actual lifespan of your SIMOND product depends on the frequency and way in which it is used by each individual user. Under normal conditions of use and maintenance, SIMOND recommends a lifespan of 3 to 10 years for braking devices. This lifespan may be reduced to a single use in the event of big falls of the product, excessive loads, entrapment and torsion, or intensive use (wear and tear and presence of sharp edges) or high stress (exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, aggressive environments, etc.). As long as your product meets the control requirements described in the INSPECTION paragraph, there's no need to scrap or repair it. Using a dirty rope can significantly reduce the lifespan of your product. If you have any doubts regarding the condition of the product, have it checked by a qualified person or scrap it.

8. GUARANTEE

This SIMOND product comes with a 2-year guarantee, starting from the date of purchase, covering any manufacturing defaults. Normal wear and tear as well as any damage resulting from misuse or modification, or inappropriate storage or maintenance of the product are excluded from the warranty.

9. MARKING MEANINGS

TUBIK ABS: Product name
EN 15151-2:2012: braking device compliant with standard EN 15151-2:2012
UIAA 129: This product complies with the UIAA 129
XXMMYY: 6-digit traceability number.The first 2 digits form the batch number, the next 4 indicate the month and year of manufacture.

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

Simond Logo

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

rope direction and identification of the climber side and the brake-hand side

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

minimum and maximum rope diameter usable with the device

TUBIK ABS USER GUIDE

Refer to the manual before using this equipment